Posts Tagged ‘Eastlake’

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Air Conditioning in Geneva, OH: Why Your AC Will Not Turn On

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Spring is a great time to make sure that you’re ready to go for the summer months. You may have already tried to turn on your AC unit, with the hopes of doing a test run before the heat sets in. If your AC will not turn on, it can be frustrating and stressful. After all, like many homeowners in the area, you rely on the efficient and effective operation of your cooling system, and you expect it to work well when you need it to. There are a few different reasons why your AC won’t turn on, and in this post, we’d like to review some of the common culprits. For air conditioning in Geneva, OH, including repair and maintenance, call Apple Heating & Cooling today!

  • Thermostat fault. When you set your desired temperature, your thermostat communicates that setpoint to your AC unit, so that it can adjust its operation accordingly. But if it is faulty, whether due to an electrical or calibration issue, then it cannot activate the cooling cycle. This is a common problem. It may require rewiring, calibrating, or possibly replacing your thermostat. If that’s the case, consider a programmable thermostat for ultimate climate control.
  • Electrical issue. As you know all too well, your AC runs on a constant supply of electrical energy. During its installation, you may have had to make additional room in the electrical box because its energy consumption is greater than most other appliances in the house, especially on those particularly hot days. If there is an electrical fault somewhere in the power supply, this may be the reason why your AC won’t turn on. Alternatively, you may have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
  • Internal switch off. Depending on the make and model of your air conditioning system, it may have one or several internal switches that may have been switched off over the long off-season, or accidentally. There is often also an external safety switch on an outside wall near the compressor/condenser unit. Make sure everything is in the “on” position.

We hope this list of possible causes of why your AC won’t turn on is useful. For professional air conditioning services in Geneva, OH, call Apple Heating & Air today!

 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Eastlake, OH: 3 Common Problems

Monday, April 1st, 2013

When you need air conditioning repair in Eastlake, OH, call the AC repair professionals at Apple Heating & Cooling. Our team of qualified technicians can handle any air conditioning repair service you may need completed. Modern air conditioning systems are more durable and efficient than ever before. Eventually, though, you will find yourself in need of professional air conditioning repair. When that time comes, timing is an important factor. The sooner you schedule any necessary air conditioning repair in Eastlake, OH, the less likely serious damage is to your system. Contact us today to learn more.

One of the most air conditioning problems that we receive calls about is uneven cooling throughout a home. There are few things more annoying to homeowners than leaving a cool, comfortable room and discovering that the next one is hot and humid. As with most air conditioning problems, there are a number of different possible causes here. A likely culprit, though, is your ductwork system. If there are kinks, twists or tears in your air ducts you cannot expect your air conditioner to operate effectively or to evenly cool your home.

Another call we get fairly frequently is an underperformance of an air conditioner, including blowing warm air. While a professional air conditioning repair technician will have to assess your system to discover the exact cause of the problem, this may be the result of a dirty or freezing evaporator coil. By restoring the evaporator coil to proper condition, the performance of your air conditioning system can be greatly improved.

We also receive a number of calls about air conditioners that simply will not turn on. In some cases this is simple user error. Double check to make sure that the settings at your thermostat are correct. A circuit breaker may have been tripped, or a motor may have blown out in your outdoor AC unit. Whatever the cause, one of our exceptional air conditioning repair technicians can help.

If you are experiencing trouble with your air conditioner, do not wait to schedule service. Call Apple Heating & Cooling today. We’ll make sure that your Eastlake, OH air conditioning repair service is completed properly.

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Geneva Air Conditioning and Heating Efficiency FAQ: What’s the Difference Between SEER and HSPF?

Monday, August 20th, 2012

In the HVAC industry, there are a number of energy efficiency rating systems that are used for different types of equipment.  Most air conditioning systems are rated by a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).  Because heat pumps both heat and cool your home, the AC part is measured with the SEER rating and the heating unit is measured by the HSPF number (heating seasonal performance factor). As your Geneva air conditioning and heating company, the experts at Apple Heating & Cooling are here to educate our customers on efficiency ratings and what they mean for consumers.

SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER rating) is used to measure the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning system.  The SEER rating can be used on multiple types of air conditioning systems, central AC system, as well as ductless split heat pump systems.

SEER ratings range up to slightly above 27.  The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the AC is in ideal conditions, such as inside a well-insulated and sealed home.  The current minimum SEER required of AC manufacturers is 13, and units with a SEER of 16 or greater are considered high efficiency units.

HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF rating) is used to measure the level of the heating efficiency of heat pumps, specifically in reference to the heat pump’s energy efficiency over one heating season. HSPF ratings range all the way up to 10, and the current minimum HSPF that is required of heat pump manufacturers is 7.7 HSPF, and units with an HSPF of 8 to 10 are considered high efficiency units. You can also look for the ENERGY STAR label.

Heat Pumps Use SEER and HSPF Ratings

Because of their dual nature in both air conditioning and heating indoor air, heat pumps will have both a SEER rating for the cooling season, and an HSPF rating for the heating season.  Finding a good combination of these two numbers will be essential in determining which heat pump to purchase for installation.

As Geneva air conditioning and heating experts, we can help you understand these ratings as you are into the various air conditioning and heating systems for your particular space. Call Apple Heating & Cooling any time if you have questions.

 

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Common Ashtabula Heat Pump Performance Problems

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Your Ashtabula heat pump needs to work year round to provide heat and air conditioning. This is why you want to make sure it’s performing as efficiently as possible to save on energy costs and prevent break downs. You should schedule an annual maintenance check-up and inspection with a certified Ashtabula HVAC technician to test the efficiency levels.

However, there are a few common causes of performance issues to be aware of so that you can be sure your heat pump performs at optimal levels. Call Apple Heating & Cooling if you have questions about heat pump performance issues, or to make an appointment for an annual inspection and professional cleaning.

Airflow Issues

There should always be a certain amount of airflow (measured in cubic feet per minute) in your heat pump to maintain proper efficiency levels. If the airflow is less than 350 cfm per ton, it could increase your energy costs. You should make sure your HVAC contractor checks the airflow whenever your heat pump is inspected. Always keep the coils clean. Sometimes the ducts are not the right size, or the fan speed needs to be increased, but often cleaning the coils will help airflow, which is why it is important to clean and maintain the components of your heat pump. A certified technician will know what methods are best, so if you suspect an airflow problem with your heat pump, call a professional heating technician.

Air Leaks in the Duct System

Inefficient or poorly-designed duct systems may not distribute air properly throughout your home because of potential air leaks. There should always be a balance between the intake and return air in a forced air system, which helps maintain a neutral pressure within the house and increase efficiency. Some contractors argue over how tightly a house should be sealed for this reason, but if your heat pump is losing heat through leaks in the air ducts, this will greatly affect its efficiency.

Improper Refrigerant

Refrigerant leaks are another common cause of low performance levels in heat pumps. Most heat pumps already have refrigerant when they leave the factory and shouldn’t have any issues. Heat pumps that are charged with refrigerant when they are installed can sometimes have the wrong amount of refrigerant. Either too much or too little refrigerant will lower the heat pump’s efficiency and performance levels. Always check the recommended refrigerant amount or ask an HVAC technician before you add refrigerant yourself.

If the heat pump in your Ashtabula home isn’t working properly, it is also affecting your heating bills. Call Apple Heating & Cooling to set up an appointment.

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Austinburg Solar Installation Tip: What to Know Before Going Solar

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

If you’re preparing to make the leap to solar power for your Austinburg home, there are a few things you need to know. From the cost of installation to the maintenance needs of that solar system and the amount of energy you can expect to pull out of the sun’s rays on a cold, wintery day, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever you’ll be up against.

Cost and Maintenance

The cost of solar panels has dropped quite a bit in recent years. In fact, the cost per watt is down to less than $8 and in some cases, can be as low as $5 due to state and federal rebates for using solar power. Maintenance costs are also low if you consider the fact that solar systems are self-sustaining and only need to be checked as often as your electrical system. The lifespan of these systems is also very long, up to 25 years in most cases.

Dependability in Bad Climates

While it is true that you will get a better return from solar panels in southern states like Arizona or in higher elevations where exposure is greater, most solar systems are very dependable. Because you can wire your system into the power grid, you can offset the low times with peak performance in the summer. Most people won’t even use all of the electricity they generate during long summer hours (especially when on vacation!) so they can make it up in the winter.

Hot Water and Heating

Most people picture photovoltaic panels when they think of solar power, but you can get an equal number of benefits from solar panels for your hot water or heating system. These passive solar systems are even less expensive than PV electrical systems and recuperate their costs in under 10 years in most cases.

Solar power is highly efficient, clean and increasingly affordable for any Austinburg homeowners. If you are getting ready to make a major upgrade to your electrical or heating system, consider the benefits that are to be had with solar panels. If you have any questions about how this kind of system would work in your home, give Apple Heating & Cooling a call!

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Bratenahl Heating Tip: Geothermal vs. Solar

Friday, January 6th, 2012

If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional methods for home heating in Bratenahl, you will probably consider both solar and geothermal options. Each of these relies on a great renewable resource to function and can be an excellent option depending on your specific circumstances. Of course, both geothermal and solar heating have limitations as well, so it is important to take these into account when you are evaluating your options.

A geothermal heating system works by extracting heat from the ground and transferring that to the air in your Bratenahl house. This occurs when heat is absorbed by a fluid flowing through a closed loop of pipes beneath or next to your home. The fluid then returns to your home, where the heat is extracted by a compressor and distributed throughout the house by an air handler.

This uses very little energy relative to a conventional heating system, as you only have to power the condenser and the air handler. The heat is not generated by the system but merely harvested, so total energy costs are quite low. However, the installation cost of a geothermal heating system can be many times what a conventional heating system would cost.

Solar heating relies on solar collectors to gather the heat from the sun. This heat is then passed into a system of heat pumps and heat exchangers so that it can be adequately distributed throughout your house. The installation of heat collectors, of course, is quite expensive as well, while the cost of running the system is generally low just as with the geothermal heat pump.

One advantage to opting for a solar heating system is that you can lease the equipment rather than buying it in some areas. This means that you do not have to pay the high installation costs and only pay a monthly fee to use the equipment which is usually comparable to what an average heating bill would be if you had a furnace.

But you also have to keep in mind that you need to have enough space to put up an adequate number of solar collectors to keep your house warm all winter. This often means giving up a lot of land, and if you have a lot, that is fine. But it is still something you need to take into consideration. Also, you need to make sure that the area you live in gets enough direct sunlight to make solar heating a viable option. Otherwise, you will be paying to run a backup system much of the time anyway.

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How to Get the Best Heat Pump: A Tip from Eastlake

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Everybody wants a good deal, especially when making a major purchase for their Eastlake home. People want their money’s worth. They want to feel like they got the best they could for the money they spent.

But how do you decide what the best option is, especially when choosing a product that you know little about, like a heat pump? The average homeowner does not spend a lot of time studying his heat pump or reading heat pump magazines for fun, so chances are you are not a heat pump expert. That’s understandable…but it doesn’t help you when you are trying to buy a new one and you want the best.

Fortunately, there some things you can look for to get clues about the quality of a heat pump and how well it suits your needs.

Efficiency is among the most important factors in choosing a heat pump. Because heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, they have two different efficiency ratings, one for each mode.

The heating efficiency for a heat pump is rated on a scale called the heating season performance factor (HSPF). This rating is actually the result of a calculation. To find the HSPF for a heat pump, the unit’s estimated heating output is divided by its energy consumption. Simply put, it’s the ratio of heat put out by the unit to the amount of power it draws. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump is. To give a frame of reference, all new heat pumps are required to have an HSPF of at least 7.7. The most efficient units available carry an HSPF of 10.

The rating system used to convey the cooling efficiency of a heat pump is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This is a simple numeric value that rates how efficient the unit is. Many new heat pumps carry a SEER of at least 12, while the most efficient models rate between 14 and 18.

While efficiency is important, it is just one factor. More efficient units are also more expensive, so you will want to consider the upfront cost. The most efficient units will pay for themselves in savings relatively quickly, but the purchase price is still important. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons when choosing a new heat pump. For more information, talk to your local contractor.

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Save Money in the Long Haul with AC Maintenance: A Hint From Eastlake

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Every year, it’s recommended that you have an Eastlake HVAC contractor visit your home and tune up your air conditioner. This visit will ensure the system is ready for the intense, regular use it will receive during the hottest months of the year. How much money can this visit save you, though? Let’s take a closer look.

Cost of Operating Your Air Conditioning

An air conditioning system on average costs a homeowner between $500 and $1500 per year to operate depending on the length of the cooling season and the efficiency of that air conditioner. That number represents top efficiency for the unit, however. When a system has dirty filters, hasn’t been cleaned properly or the thermostat is no longer calibrated accurately, the cost increases – sometimes dramatically.

Just how much more could you be spending on cooling each month when this happens? The EPA’s Energy Star website estimates an increase in cost of between 10-30% resulting from poorly maintained systems, and it can be even higher if your system is old and is severely affected by a drop in energy efficiency.

Annual Tune Up Necessities

So, what should be at the top of your tune up list? If you call a contractor, they will perform a variety of tasks including:

  • Inspect Coolant and Pressure Systems
  • Calibrate the Thermostat
  • Tighten Wiring, Capacitors, Relays and Contacts
  • Clean the Evaporator Coil
  • Clear and Clean the Condenser and Condensate Drain
  • Inspect the Condenser Fan and Motor
  • Check Compressor Efficiency

This is just a starter list for standard tune up of a central air conditioning unit. You can supplement this tune up by checking your filters once every 30 days and clearing away debris from around any outdoor units. You should also check your thermostat monthly to ensure it is working properly. If not, call for an inspection to avoid heavy increases in operating costs.

Major repairs to your air conditioning system generally take less than a day and when you’re on an annual maintenance plan, they cost significantly less than if you needed someone to fix the device in an emergency situation.

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Tips for Upgrading Your Central Air Conditioner

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

When the time comes to upgrade your central air conditioner, you will have a lot of things to take into account. If you were generally satisfied with the performance of your old system, it can be very tempting to stick with a similar model. But if you do not examine all of the options out there right now, you may very well be missing out on a great deal.

If you already have a central air conditioner in place, chances are that you also have ductwork throughout your house. In that case, you will probably be better off with a packaged air conditioner as opposed to a split system. If it is a split system you are replacing, however, you should probably keep your search limited to other split systems. Installing a packaged air conditioner when you do not already have ducts in place can dramatically increase the overall cost of the project.

You will also want to make sure that the system you choose is compatible with the heating system and air handler that you already have in place. Most central air conditioning systems can be integrated easily with all types of heating systems, but you should still check to make sure this will not be a problem, particularly if you have an older heating system.

In terms of picking out the right new system for your home, energy efficiency is probably the main factor to consider. While just about every air conditioner on the market right now will be much more efficient than the unit you are replacing, you want to make sure you get a model that will provide you with the optimal savings in the long run.

This does not necessarily mean that you should go out and buy the most energy efficient air conditioner out there. In fact, because the more energy efficient units are also typically more expensive, you may not actually save money by going that route. But you will do well to choose a unit that will save you enough monthly to offset the installation costs and for most people, that means that you will want an air conditioner that is either a SEER 14 or SEER 16.

Of course, the actual amount of money you will save as you move up through the SEER rankings depends on how much you use your air conditioner to begin with. If you live somewhere with very hot weather and you use your unit for a large chunk of the year, it may very well be worth it for you to opt for a very high efficiency model.

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Attic Fans – Cool Your House Quickly

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

When you’re worried about keeping your home cool in the summer, having a good air conditioning system is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And a high-quality, energy efficient air conditioner is definitely an important component of your home comfort system. But if you really want to get the most out of that air conditioner without paying too much in energy costs, you should look into having an attic fan installed as well.

The Value of a Good Attic Fan

So why do you need an attic fan if you already have an air conditioner? Well, to begin with, a great deal of the heat that comes into your house during the summer does so directly through the roof of your home. As the sun beats down on your roof hour after hour, heat is constantly being transferred through the roof and into your attic. And as the temperature in your attic rises, some of that heat is transferred to the air in your living spaces as well.

Of course, with your state of the art air conditioner in place, you probably won’t even be aware that this is taking place. But because the heat coming into your attic raises the temperature in other parts of your home, your air conditioner is working that much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in all living spaces. And that means it’s using more energy than necessary to keep your house cool.

One easy way to combat this situation is to put in an attic fan. Many of these devices even run on solar power, so once they’re in place, they cost you virtually nothing to operate. A good attic fan will switch on anytime the temperature in your attic gets above a certain level and will work quickly to channel that extra heat right back outside. This means that your attic temperature will stay at a reasonable level, and the rest of your house will not be impacted by the heat coming in through the roof.

While an attic fan isn’t a terribly complicated piece of equipment to install, it’s worth it to have the job done by a professional because it does involve cutting a hole in your roof all the way through to your attic. A professional can make sure that the hole is in the proper place and sealed up tightly so water, bugs and other debris don’t find their way in.

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